Hunter Water has announced level one water restrictions will be removed from October 1
Ongoing water savings and a significant reduction in leakage across Hunter water’s network means level one restrictions, which were downgraded in February, will be removed next month
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With Hunter residents holding up their end of the bargain, recording 15 per cent less water usage, water restrictions will be soon scrapped across the region.
Ongoing water savings and a significant reduction in leakage across Hunter Water’s network means level one restrictions, which were downgraded in February, will be removed from October 1.
On average 15 per cent less water was used than expected, equivalent to saving the water use of 52,000 households.
On top of that, leakage reduction across Hunter Water’s network had a 13 per cent fall last financial year, bringing the total reduction to 34 per cent in three years.
“This is an outstanding effort by the Lower Hunter community,” Hunter Water managing director Darren Cleary said.
“These results, combined with decent winter rainfall and a promising weather outlook for wetter than average conditions in spring, are behind the decision to remove Level 1 water restrictions.”
Mr Cleary said while it was welcome news, we couldn’t lose sight of the lessons learnt from the severe drought, and return to past water use habits.
“I’m pleased that so many people across the region have adopted the new habits brought on by water restrictions and it makes sense for them to continue these behaviours in their daily routines to help save our precious resource,” he said.
Hunter Water customers will return to permanent water conservation measures from 1 October.
“It’s important that we all continue to save now for summer and not become complacent with our water use,” Mr Cleary added.
“The severe drought demonstrated how quickly our water storages can fall during the warmer months as they have large surface areas and are prone to evaporation.
“We need everyone to help us Love Water all year round by continuing to make smart water choices in their everyday behaviour.”
The measures include only watering outdoors with a trigger nozzle hose before 10am and after 4pm and not hosing hard surfaces.
People are also encouraged to reduce shower times to four minutes and waiting for a full load being using the dishwasher and washing machine.